This Cyclist From Manipur Is On A Tour From Delhi To Imphal, To Spread The Message Of #BeatPollution

23-year-old cyclist from Manipur, Philem Rohan Singh embarked on a solo cycling tour from India Gate in the national capital Delhi to Imphal in Manipur on January 8, 2018.

Philem who has been riding from a very young age has cycled up to 500-600km, but this time he plans to cover a vast stretch of the country and cycle roughly 2,500 km.

Philem's tour titled, ?Pollution Free India And A Journey Taken With An Extra Mile' is centered around two themes, pollution and taking that one extra step, walking that one extra mile while leaving the sorrows, pain and all the struggles behind.

Post Diwali, when Delhi was covered under a thick layer of smog, Philem was in Delhi and found it difficult to breathe and go to his office. It is then that he decided to do something and fight for a pollution free India.

To raise awareness, Philem is distributing handmade fliers to the people he meets on his way. Given financial constraints and means, he relies on word of mouth and asks people to share the message with their friends and family.

In order to reach out to the younger generation, Philem has planned to give guest lecture in schools in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and other regions.

All the expenses of this journey are being borne by Philem himself. He has not received any kind of financial support from any government body or any organisation, but his friends have pitched in with some help.

As of January 25, Philem has pedaled around 1,300km and has reached Forbesganj, Bihar.

From having a decent job and leading a comfortable life to being the bearer of change, Phelim seeks to collaborate with organisations and government in the future to raise awareness about India's air pollution crisis.